Members of the Constantine Public Schools policy committee will assemble next month to digest dozens of comments offered by some of the more than 50 residents who attended a special meeting Wednesday.

Staged in response to policies that were enforced following a recent police investigation, the meeting allowed parents to break into groups and discuss their concerns with board of education members. The format, Superintendent Chuck Frisbie said, was intentionally designed to encourage feedback regarding district policies.

"It's a pretty simple but effective way for parents to let us know what they like or don't like about our policies," Frisbie said.

"They all have pencils, note cards and a board member at their table, and all information will be brought up at the January policy committee meeting."

The session lasted about an hour and featured between eight and 10 people at each of six tables. Those in attendance raised a number of issues related to a Nov. 26 incident involving two 5-year-old boys in a kindergarten classroom. They were investigated for demonstrating sexual conduct beyond what is considered typical curiosity.

A few of the policies tested as a result of that incident included children interviewed by police before parents were notified; the classroom teacher was placed on paid leave during the school potion of a Constantine Police Department investigation; and the two boys suspended from school for the time being but still receiving educational support from the district.

Frisbie said the district took some hits from parents who were angry to hear about the investigation from the media rather than through a letter from the district. He said after it was determined the incident was limited to the one classroom, the district felt the issue should be brought to the attention of parents of children in that classroom only.

A letter to the classroom parents went out Thursday, Nov. 29, but many people were not made aware of the matter until it was broadcast by the television media the following Monday, Dec. 3, and the print and radio media the following day.

"It wasn't a matter of hiding anything, it was a matter of a police investigation and interviews with students taking place in order to determine facts," Frisbie said. "I can't schedule when Channel 3 is going to show up."

He said the district did not violate its policy by allowing police to interview students without informing their parents. Frisbie said interviewing students as soon as possible from the moment the investigation began was crucial to acquire accurate information.

Likewise, placing the teacher on paid leave was a policy matter included in the teachers' union. It does not imply the teacher was involved in any wrongdoing, as the investigation confirmed.

Parents of a fifth-grade student at a table with Board of Education member Chuck Colley said they were against a policy that allows police to talk to a child before a parent is notified.

Page 2 of 2 - At all tables, concerns were jotted on note cards, which were collected and will be reviewed at the policy committee's January meeting.

Frisbie said it could be later in 2013 before changes, if any, are made, as prospective policy changes must first be identified, then require a first and second readings at consecutive board meetings before changes are voted on.

Frisbie conceded the district did not handle the matter perfectly, but policies are in place to provide direction under certain circumstances, even those as unprecedented as what warranted the meeting.

"I review all the time in my head what we did, how we handled it and what should be done differently," Frisbie said. "That's where there's value in the feedback we get from the public."

An update on the policy issue could come later in the spring, when the district plans to stage a meeting to review some nagging issues, including the worsening state of the middle school's infrastructure, feedback on the Headlee override request, a look at amending the start and end time of the school day to a later time, and technology and curriculum.